He worked on Star Wars and Crocodile Hunter—and now the industry’s mourning a true master
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The film industry is known for its dazzling premieres and red-carpet glamour—but behind every great production are the unsung heroes who make it all possible.
A recent loss has left a deep void in the hearts of many who’ve worked behind the scenes in Australia’s entertainment world.
What followed was an outpouring of tributes for a man whose quiet brilliance helped shape some of the country’s most iconic productions.
The Australian screen industry has been left reeling after the death of one of its most respected behind-the-scenes veterans.
Paul ‘Salty’ Brincat, a sound recordist whose work reached global heights, died in New South Wales in late May after a battle with a brain tumour.
His quiet genius earned him a place among the most trusted names in sound across Hollywood and local productions alike—but it was his humility that left the deepest impression on those who knew him.
A GoFundMe has since been launched by his family to assist with funeral costs. With a goal of $10,000, the fundraiser had already passed the halfway mark at the time of reporting.
‘It’s hard to understate the profound impact that Paul Brincat has had upon the Australian Film Industry,’ read the campaign’s page.
Salty’s name became synonymous with quality over a four-decade career, stretching from the early 1980s to as recently as last year. His final project was the 2024 Australian film The Nut Farm, which starred Madeleine West and Arj Barker.
Though many knew his name through the credits of blockbusters, few knew the depth of his experience. Brincat’s resume included Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, The Invisible Man, and Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course—but his accolades extended well beyond the big screen.
In 1999, he received an Academy Award nomination for The Thin Red Line, the haunting war drama directed by Terrence Malick and starring Sean Penn. Just a few years earlier, in 1996, he earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing on the US television series Flipper, which featured Neighbours alum Alan Dale.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in across social media.
‘I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of one of our longstanding members. He was much loved,’ wrote the Australian Screen Sound Guild.
Another colleague, sound recordist Josh O’Donnell, added: ‘Vale Paul. Despite his formidable resume, I found that Salty was an extremely humble man, devoid of ego. I can honestly say that I would not be the man I am today without Salty.’
Cameraman Jason Binnie echoed the sentiment: ‘We have lost a legend.’
The industry is now preparing to farewell Paul, with his funeral set to be held on Saturday, 14 June in his hometown of Murwillumbah in regional New South Wales.
Those who knew him best have described the gathering as a heartfelt send-off.
‘For decades Salty was at the cutting edge of sound, recording dialogue for Hollywood blockbusters and independent Australian feature films alike,’ read the GoFundMe.
‘So it is with no surprise that so many of our extended film family are travelling from far and wide, to Murwillumbah, to pay homage to the great man himself.
‘With so many wonderful people in attendance, we have put together a small fundraiser, to help alleviate his family of some of the Behind the Scenes costs of the memorial.’
Paul Brincat may have worked in silence—but the legacy he leaves behind is thunderous.
While Paul ‘Salty’ Brincat often stayed out of the spotlight, his talent spoke volumes—especially in productions that earned top industry recognition.
If you appreciate the craft behind great cinema, this clip is well worth a watch.
Source: Youtube/AACTA
Though Paul Brincat may no longer be with us, his work will continue to echo through the films and shows that shaped generations.
His legacy is a reminder of the quiet brilliance behind the scenes—work that often goes unrecognised, yet defines the magic of cinema.
In a recent story, we looked at the life and legacy of another Hollywood figure whose work left a lasting impression on generations of moviegoers.
For those who grew up with classic films like Scarface and Ghostbusters, these losses feel especially personal—reminders of the stories and soundtracks that shaped our memories.
If you’ve been reflecting on the icons behind your favourite films, that tribute is worth a read too.
Read more: Scarface and Ghostbusters star dies as life and legacy revealed
A recent loss has left a deep void in the hearts of many who’ve worked behind the scenes in Australia’s entertainment world.
What followed was an outpouring of tributes for a man whose quiet brilliance helped shape some of the country’s most iconic productions.
The Australian screen industry has been left reeling after the death of one of its most respected behind-the-scenes veterans.
Paul ‘Salty’ Brincat, a sound recordist whose work reached global heights, died in New South Wales in late May after a battle with a brain tumour.
His quiet genius earned him a place among the most trusted names in sound across Hollywood and local productions alike—but it was his humility that left the deepest impression on those who knew him.
Industry mourns legendary sound recordist Salty Brincat. Image source: GoFundMe/William Joshua O'Donnell
A GoFundMe has since been launched by his family to assist with funeral costs. With a goal of $10,000, the fundraiser had already passed the halfway mark at the time of reporting.
‘It’s hard to understate the profound impact that Paul Brincat has had upon the Australian Film Industry,’ read the campaign’s page.
Salty’s name became synonymous with quality over a four-decade career, stretching from the early 1980s to as recently as last year. His final project was the 2024 Australian film The Nut Farm, which starred Madeleine West and Arj Barker.
Though many knew his name through the credits of blockbusters, few knew the depth of his experience. Brincat’s resume included Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, The Invisible Man, and Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course—but his accolades extended well beyond the big screen.
In 1999, he received an Academy Award nomination for The Thin Red Line, the haunting war drama directed by Terrence Malick and starring Sean Penn. Just a few years earlier, in 1996, he earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing on the US television series Flipper, which featured Neighbours alum Alan Dale.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in across social media.
‘I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of one of our longstanding members. He was much loved,’ wrote the Australian Screen Sound Guild.
Another colleague, sound recordist Josh O’Donnell, added: ‘Vale Paul. Despite his formidable resume, I found that Salty was an extremely humble man, devoid of ego. I can honestly say that I would not be the man I am today without Salty.’
Cameraman Jason Binnie echoed the sentiment: ‘We have lost a legend.’
The industry is now preparing to farewell Paul, with his funeral set to be held on Saturday, 14 June in his hometown of Murwillumbah in regional New South Wales.
Those who knew him best have described the gathering as a heartfelt send-off.
‘For decades Salty was at the cutting edge of sound, recording dialogue for Hollywood blockbusters and independent Australian feature films alike,’ read the GoFundMe.
‘So it is with no surprise that so many of our extended film family are travelling from far and wide, to Murwillumbah, to pay homage to the great man himself.
‘With so many wonderful people in attendance, we have put together a small fundraiser, to help alleviate his family of some of the Behind the Scenes costs of the memorial.’
Paul Brincat may have worked in silence—but the legacy he leaves behind is thunderous.
While Paul ‘Salty’ Brincat often stayed out of the spotlight, his talent spoke volumes—especially in productions that earned top industry recognition.
If you appreciate the craft behind great cinema, this clip is well worth a watch.
Source: Youtube/AACTA
Though Paul Brincat may no longer be with us, his work will continue to echo through the films and shows that shaped generations.
His legacy is a reminder of the quiet brilliance behind the scenes—work that often goes unrecognised, yet defines the magic of cinema.
In a recent story, we looked at the life and legacy of another Hollywood figure whose work left a lasting impression on generations of moviegoers.
For those who grew up with classic films like Scarface and Ghostbusters, these losses feel especially personal—reminders of the stories and soundtracks that shaped our memories.
If you’ve been reflecting on the icons behind your favourite films, that tribute is worth a read too.
Read more: Scarface and Ghostbusters star dies as life and legacy revealed
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and my preys are with his family
